The Transport Minister, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, and the Minister of Trade, Industry and Agribusiness, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare on Friday, September 11 visited the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority to engage management on measures put in place to ease delays affecting clinker imports for local cement manufacturers.
GPHA management, led by Major General Paul Seidu Tanye Kulono, Director General of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, and Tebon Zumah, Director of the Port of Tema, briefed the ministers on steps already under way to reduce congestion and improve vessel turnaround. Officials said the authority has dredged one of the berths at the bulk Jetty from 10 metres to 14 metres to accommodate larger bulk carriers and will soon introduce a window system to ensure vessels berth only at their scheduled time.
Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe said the government was concerned about the impact of the delays on businesses and was working with relevant stakeholders to resolve the situation.
The Minister for Trade, Industry and Agribusiness, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare assured that her Ministry will continue to work collaboratively with the Ministry of Transport and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority to reduce demurrage charges for the clinker importers.
Major General Tanye-Kulono assured the public that the measures are being implemented immediately and expressed confidence that the deeper berth and improved scheduling will ease congestion and speed up cargo flow. He added that the measures are expected to improve access for larger vessels and reduce waiting times for importers
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